SINGAPORE — The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has pledged S$100,000 to support relief and recovery efforts for those affected by bushfires in Australia and the flooding in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, the organisation announced on Monday (Jan 6).

Australia is experiencing what has been touted as the worst wildfires it has seen in a decade with at least 25 dead, while record downpour in and around Jakarta have sparked flooding and landslides that have claimed at least 66 lives.

The SRC has pledged S$50,000 to the communities affected by the Australian bushfires and will launch a public fundraising campaign. The funds will go towards supporting the humanitarian efforts by the Australian Red Cross, for the relief and recovery of survivors.

“We are deeply concerned about the situation in Australia. The full extent of the devastation is still unfolding as the authorities work to contain the massive blazes,” said Mr Benjamin William, secretary-general and CEO of SRC.

“The crisis is expected to escalate in view of the strong winds and persistent drought," he added.

Mr William said that the Australian Red Cross has been providing support to evacuees in 35 centres across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

It is also providing psychological first aid, distributing food hampers, water pallets, hygiene items and other essential supplies to the affected communities.

"We continue to be in communication with our counterparts in the Australian Red Cross to ascertain needs and consider further support where needed,” said Mr William.

In Jakarta, the SRC will be sending S$50,000 to support relief and recovery operations by the Indonesian Red Cross, which is also known as Palang Merah Indonesia.

The funds will be used to purchase family kits, hygiene kits, diapers, sleeping bags, blankets and clean water for the evacuees, SRC said.

“It’s been a challenging time for our neighbours since New Year’s Eve. They have endured monsoon downpours, mudslides and power outages,” said Mr William.

“Even as the current floodwaters subside, the city expects heavy rain and thunderstorms in the days ahead. The search for missing persons is still ongoing, and there is a lot of work to be done," he added.

Palang Merah Indonesia has been distributing food packs and providing health services to victims, and supporting the authorities in their efforts to prevent the spread of waterborne disease, said Mr William.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and provide further support where needed,” he added. CNA

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